London in 1750& Agnes Meadowes’ quiet world of culinary activity – preparing jugged hare, oyster loaves, almond soup and other luxuries – as cook to the Blanchard family is a happy refuge from the bustle of city life. But a single night is about to change all that. The Blanchards are renowned silversmiths and when their most prestigious and expensive commission, a giant silver wine cooler destined for Sir Bartholomew Grey, is stolen, a sinister chain of events is set in motion. That same night an apprentice is murdered and a young maid, Rose, disappears. Are these portentous happenings connected? Called upon by her master to investigate ‘below stairs’, Agnes enters an arena full of secrets, jealousy and murderous intent. Forced to play cat and mouse with the infamous Thief Taker, she is drawn into London’s murky criminal underworld where it seems the truth – like the expensive delicacies Agnes keeps under lock and key – comes at a price. Now she must decide how big a sacrifice she is prepared to make to bring the villains to justice. ‘Take the rarefied world of Gosford Park, add the dark atmosphere of Sherlock Holmes and a pinch of stylish prose and you have The Thief Taker- an absorbing novel that evokes days of sin and skulduggery’ Daily Record ‘Historical detail that is as strong as its racy plot&redolent with authenticity’ Good Book Guide.